Photo of AI-LewisClark
AI-LewisClark
07 Dec 2025
Plan Together
Edit Trip Edit
Bookmark TripSave

Japan Highlights 19 Days

19-Day Japan Highlights Itinerary

Experience Japan’s best mix of ancient tradition, natural beauty, and modern urban energy on this 19-day journey. Begin in Tokyo with iconic cityscapes, historic shrines, and bustling neighborhoods; travel to cultural Kyoto to explore world-famous temples, serene gardens, and historic streets; take day trips to nearby treasures including Nara, Himeji, Nikko and Hakone for castles, giant Buddhas, volcanic landscapes and hot springs. Visit Miyajima’s floating torii and Hiroshima’s poignant sites, wander the preserved streets of Takayama and the spiritual atmosphere of Mount Koya, then finish with the lively atmosphere of Osaka. This itinerary balances major landmarks, scenic side trips and time for relaxed exploration, offering ample opportunities for photography, culinary discoveries, and immersive cultural experiences.

Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Fushimi Inari-taisha

    Iconic Shinto shrine famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form atmospheric walking paths up Mount Inari; offers a unique cultural and photographic experience, short hikes with panoramic city views, and a deep sense of Japanese religious tradition and local rituals.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin2

    Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

    Striking Zen Buddhist temple whose top two floors are covered in gold leaf, set beside a reflective pond that creates a picture-perfect scene; exemplifies Japanese aesthetics and garden design, provides a serene contemplative atmosphere, and is a must-see historical landmark in Kyoto.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin3

    Kiyomizu-dera

    Historic Buddhist temple perched on a wooden terrace overlooking Kyoto, offering dramatic views of the city and seasonal beauty (cherry blossoms in spring, foliage in autumn); renowned for its traditional architecture, sacred Otowa Waterfall whose streams are believed to grant health, longevity, and success, and its lively surrounding streets full of culture and crafts.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin4

    Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

    A surreal natural corridor of towering bamboo that creates an otherworldly atmosphere and beautiful light for photography; combined with nearby attractions (Tenryu-ji Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge, riverside walks) it offers a peaceful escape from the city and a taste of traditional Kyoto scenery.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin5

    Tokyo Skytree

    One of the world's tallest towers with panoramic observation decks offering sweeping views across Tokyo (and on clear days Mount Fuji); features modern architecture, shopping and dining in the adjacent complex, and is a striking example of Tokyo's skyline both by day and when illuminated at night.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin6

    Senso-ji Temple

    Tokyo’s oldest and most visited Buddhist temple, centered around the bustling Kaminarimon and Nakamise-dori shopping street where traditional snacks and souvenirs are sold; provides rich cultural history, vibrant festivals, and an accessible introduction to Japanese religious practice in the heart of Asakusa.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin7

    Meiji Jingu Shrine

    A tranquil Shinto sanctuary set in a vast forested park in central Tokyo, offering a peaceful contrast to the city’s bustle; visit for traditional rituals (purification, ema, offerings), seasonal festivals, and the chance to see Shinto weddings and cultural ceremonies amid elegant torii and pathways.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin8

    Shibuya Crossing

    An iconic symbol of modern Tokyo — one of the world’s busiest pedestrian intersections — offering a thrilling sensory experience of urban energy and organized chaos; great for people-watching, photography from nearby vantage points (cafés or observation spots), and experiencing contemporary Tokyo nightlife and shopping nearby.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin9

    Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima)

    Famous for its “floating” torii gate at high tide and beautifully preserved shrine complex on Miyajima Island; combines stunning coastal scenery, historic Shinto architecture, friendly deer, hiking opportunities (Mount Misen), and peaceful island atmosphere, making it one of Japan’s most photogenic and spiritual destinations.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin10

    Himeji Castle

    Japan’s finest surviving feudal castle, renowned for its elegant white appearance and complex defensive architecture; offers extensive restored interiors, panoramic views from the keep, and beautifully landscaped gardens — a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases samurai-era history and castle design.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin11

    Nara Park (Todaiji Temple)

    Home to the giant bronze Great Buddha (Daibutsu) at Todaiji Temple and expansive parkland populated by friendly, free-roaming deer; combines major historical and religious sites with relaxed strolling, traditional craft shops, and seasonal beauty, providing a deeply cultural and accessible day trip from Kyoto or Osaka.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin12

    Hakone (Lake Ashi & Hakone Shrine)

    Scenic hot-spring region with the picturesque Lake Ashi framed by mountains and views of Mount Fuji on clear days; visit the lakeside torii of Hakone Shrine, enjoy a cruise, ride the Hakone Ropeway over volcanic Owakudani, and relax in onsen — an ideal blend of natural beauty, spiritual sites, and restorative hot-spring experiences.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin13

    Tokyo Imperial Palace (East Gardens)

    The East Gardens offer serene landscaped grounds, historic moats and stone walls where you can explore remnants of Edo Castle and seasonal plantings; it’s an accessible green oasis in central Tokyo providing cultural context about Japan’s imperial history and pleasant walking paths near major city landmarks.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin14

    Osaka Castle

    A powerful symbol of Japan’s unification era with an impressive reconstructed main keep housing a history museum and observation deck for city views; surrounded by extensive parkland and cherry blossoms in spring, it’s both a historical attraction and a lively local gathering spot.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin15

    Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

    A refined Zen temple noted for its understated aesthetics, moss gardens, and the serene sand garden (the ‘Sea of Silver Sand’); while not actually silver-plated, it exemplifies Japanese wabi-sabi beauty and offers contemplative strolls in a quieter part of Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama district.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin16

    Roppongi Hills / Mori Tower (observation)

    Offers panoramic city views from a modern observation deck and Sky Deck, along with contemporary art at the Mori Art Museum and upscale dining/shopping — a good spot to see Tokyo’s skyline, enjoy nightlife, and experience modern Japanese urban culture.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin17

    Owakudani Valley

    A volcanic valley with steaming vents and hot springs created by the Hakone volcanic system; famous for its geothermal activity, black-shelled ‘kuro-tamago’ eggs, dramatic landscapes and views (including Mount Fuji on clear days), and as part of the scenic Hakone ropeway experience.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin18

    Nikko Toshogu Shrine

    An ornate UNESCO World Heritage Shinto–Buddhist complex dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, renowned for lavish wood carvings, colorfully painted structures, and historical significance; set within a cedar forest it provides spectacular architecture, seasonal foliage, and deep cultural and historical insights.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin19

    Mount Koya (Koyasan) — Okunoin Cemetery

    Okunoin is Japan’s largest cemetery and a deeply spiritual site lined with thousands of moss-covered stone lanterns and memorials leading to Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum; visiting offers a solemn, atmospheric experience, insight into Shingon Buddhism, the chance to join temple lodging (shukubo) and morning rituals, and contemplative nighttime or dawn walks through ancient cedar groves.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin20

    Takayama Old Town (Sanmachi Suji)

    A beautifully preserved Edo-period merchant district with narrow streets, wooden machiya houses, sake breweries and traditional shops; it provides an authentic small-town atmosphere, excellent opportunities for sampling local crafts and cuisine, seasonal festivals (notably the Takayama Matsuri), and a gateway to the nearby Hida region and its mountain scenery.
    Open Google Maps Button

Restaurants

  • Restaurant Icon

    Sukiyabashi Jiro (Ginza, Tokyo)

    3.9
    $$$$

    Sukiyabashi Jiro (Ginza, Tokyo)

    World-renowned sushi master’s Michelin-starred counter for an iconic, meticulously crafted Edomae sushi experience (book well in advance).
    3.9
    $$$$
    Picture for Sukiyabashi Jiro (Ginza, Tokyo)
  • Restaurant Icon

    Ichiran Ramen (Shibuya, Tokyo)

    4.4
    $$$$

    Ichiran Ramen (Shibuya, Tokyo)

    Popular solo-dining ramen chain famous for its rich tonkotsu broth and customizable bowls — great for a quick, satisfying late-night meal.
    4.4
    $$$$
    Picture for Ichiran Ramen (Shibuya, Tokyo)
  • Restaurant Icon

    Kikunoi Roan (Kyoto)

    4.3
    $$$$

    Kikunoi Roan (Kyoto)

    Renowned kaiseki restaurant offering seasonal multi-course haute cuisine that showcases Kyoto’s refined ingredients and presentation (reservations recommended).
    4.3
    $$$$
    Picture for Kikunoi Roan (Kyoto)
  • Restaurant Icon

    Matsusaka M (Osaka)

    5
    $$$$

    Matsusaka M (Osaka)

    Specializes in premium Matsusaka beef yakiniku, delivering high-quality wagyu grilled tableside in a lively Osaka setting — ideal for meat lovers.
    5
    $$$$
    Picture for Matsusaka M (Osaka)
  • Restaurant Icon

    Okonomiyaki Mizuno (Dotonbori, Osaka)

    3.8
    $$$$

    Okonomiyaki Mizuno (Dotonbori, Osaka)

    Beloved local spot serving Osaka-style okonomiyaki with classic flavors and expertly grilled batter — a must-try casual dining experience in Dotonbori.
    3.8
    $$$$
    Picture for Okonomiyaki Mizuno (Dotonbori, Osaka)

Hotels

  • Hotel Icon

    Park Hyatt Tokyo

    4.5

    Park Hyatt Tokyo

    Luxury hotel in Shinjuku with spacious rooms, panoramic city views, impeccable service, and easy access to public transit — ideal for experiencing Tokyo’s skyline and upscale dining.
    4.5
    Picture for Park Hyatt Tokyo
  • Hotel Icon

    Kyoto Hotel Okura

    4.3

    Kyoto Hotel Okura

    Well-located in central Kyoto near the Kamogawa River and within easy reach of Gion and downtown attractions; comfortable rooms and traditional hospitality make it a convenient base for exploring temples and historic districts.
    4.3
    Picture for Kyoto Hotel Okura
  • Hotel Icon

    Hotel Granvia Kyoto

    4

    Hotel Granvia Kyoto

    Situated directly above Kyoto Station for seamless rail connections, this modern hotel offers excellent transport convenience, comfortable amenities, and quick access to day trips like Nara and Himeji.
    4
    Picture for Hotel Granvia Kyoto
  • Hotel Icon

    Hotel New Otani (Tokyo)

    4.4

    Hotel New Otani (Tokyo)

    Historic luxury property with extensive gardens and refined rooms in central Tokyo; offers a peaceful retreat near Akasaka and easy access to major attractions, business districts, and nightlife.
    4.4
    Picture for Hotel New Otani (Tokyo)
  • Hotel Icon

    The Royal Park Hotel Osaka Midosuji

    4.4

    The Royal Park Hotel Osaka Midosuji

    Contemporary hotel in central Osaka with modern rooms and close proximity to shopping, dining and transportation; a practical and comfortable choice for exploring Osaka Castle, Dotonbori and wider Kansai.
    4.4
    Picture for The Royal Park Hotel Osaka Midosuji

Local Events & Happenings

Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    Even though many people recommend the overnight stay there, I feel it is a part that I can skip as I will already sleep once in a ryokan which seems to be enough for me. ... 1...

    First time 19 day trip to Japan! Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka/Hiroshima. All recommendations are welcome.

    Even though many people recommend the overnight stay there, I feel it is a part that I can skip as I will already sleep once in a ryokan which seems to be enough for me. ... 1...

    /r/JapanTravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    The 17 days are discounting arrival and departing flights and connections. I'm now considering taking off some of the cities to reduce travel times and better enjoying th...

    Advice for Japan Itinerary, 17 days - too many cities?

    The 17 days are discounting arrival and departing flights and connections. I'm now considering taking off some of the cities to reduce travel times and better enjoying th...

    /r/JapanTravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Then head down to Kyoto for 2-3 days there (including a potential day trip to Nara), then 2-3 days in Osaka. All of this can be done with the Hokuriku Arch Pass (Tokyo - Kanaz...

    15 Day Itinerary (Tokyo-Kanazawa-Takayama-Kyoto-Nara-Osaka-Hakone)

    Then head down to Kyoto for 2-3 days there (including a potential day trip to Nara), then 2-3 days in Osaka. All of this can be done with the Hokuriku Arch Pass (Tokyo - Kanaz...

    /r/JapanTravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Day 10 - Kyoto (East) - Monday 3 June 2024. Wake up early and head to Kinkakuji / Golden Pavilion. Head to the East side and explore main temples and gardens there Eikan-do an...

    Itinerary check: 19 days (Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, Okayama)

    Day 10 - Kyoto (East) - Monday 3 June 2024. Wake up early and head to Kinkakuji / Golden Pavilion. Head to the East side and explore main temples and gardens there Eikan-do an...

    /r/JapanTravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Next day is also devoted to Miyajima and taking it easy, visiting Itsukushima shrine, going for photographs of the giant Torii gate and maybe taking the funicular up to Mount ...

    Itinerary check - (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Miyajima, Nakasendo, Takayama/Kanazawa)

    Next day is also devoted to Miyajima and taking it easy, visiting Itsukushima shrine, going for photographs of the giant Torii gate and maybe taking the funicular up to Mount ...

    /r/JapanTravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    there is Kinosaki Onsen, kinda northwest of either Kyoto and Osaka. If you want to lose a day in either place, to do a night there. ... Lol dude you are doing almost the EXACT...

    19 day itinerary Is it too much?

    there is Kinosaki Onsen, kinda northwest of either Kyoto and Osaka. If you want to lose a day in either place, to do a night there. ... Lol dude you are doing almost the EXACT...

    /r/JapanTravelTips
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    You have to transit first to Shin-Osaka from Namba, then from Tokyo Station to Asakusa which will involve some wandering around. In response to another comment, while it's app...

    Itinerary Check: 7 days in Japan (Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo). Please ...

    You have to transit first to Shin-Osaka from Namba, then from Tokyo Station to Asakusa which will involve some wandering around. In response to another comment, while it's app...

    /r/JapanTravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    12 votes, 12 comments. Hello! Visiting Japan as a first timer with my fianc. Looking to eat, wander cool neighbourhoods, get some historical sights

    Itinerary Check: 14 days in Tokyo > Osaka > Nara > Kyoto

    12 votes, 12 comments. Hello! Visiting Japan as a first timer with my fianc. Looking to eat, wander cool neighbourhoods, get some historical sights

    /r/JapanTravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    If I could do my exact trip again, I would... Spend not more than an hour in Nara (only cared about the deer). I would do 2 days in Hiroshima so I could cross to Miyajima isla...

    How does your itinerary look like if you were go to Japan for the 1st with all the experience you have now

    If I could do my exact trip again, I would... Spend not more than an hour in Nara (only cared about the deer). I would do 2 days in Hiroshima so I could cross to Miyajima isla...

    /r/JapanTravelTips
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Itinerary Check: 7 days in Japan (Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo). Please help us not burn ourselves out lol. ... Got questions? Need advice? Overwhelmed with your itinerary? Want to sha...

    13 days in Japan Itinerary! (Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka) I finally get to post one of these

    Itinerary Check: 7 days in Japan (Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo). Please help us not burn ourselves out lol. ... Got questions? Need advice? Overwhelmed with your itinerary? Want to sha...

    /r/JapanTravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    June 4th - Kyoto (Stay in hyatt place kyoto) - Day trip to Nara June 5th - Hiroshima (Stay in hotel) - Himeji Castle along the way, Peace Memorial Park, Museum June 6th - Miya...

    21-Day Itinerary - Tokyo -> Hakone -> Kanazawa -> Takayama

    June 4th - Kyoto (Stay in hyatt place kyoto) - Day trip to Nara June 5th - Hiroshima (Stay in hotel) - Himeji Castle along the way, Peace Memorial Park, Museum June 6th - Miya...

    /r/JapanTravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    For Osaka Castle, I suggest getting the combo ticket and go through the garden and turrets first. That allowed us to skip the giant line going into the Castle later. Hopefully...

    Feedback on our 19-day itinerary (Kyoto Osaka Kanazawa Takayama Tokyo) early mornings & relaxed pace

    For Osaka Castle, I suggest getting the combo ticket and go through the garden and turrets first. That allowed us to skip the giant line going into the Castle later. Hopefully...

    /r/JapanTravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Hi there everyone! My friends and I are organising our trip to Japan for next May. We are in our late 20s and fit. We dont mind waking up early and

    Advice needed - Japan travel itinerary May 2023 (Kanazawa Takayama Kyoto Hakone Tokyo)

    Hi there everyone! My friends and I are organising our trip to Japan for next May. We are in our late 20s and fit. We dont mind waking up early and

    /r/JapanTravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Travel: ~1 hr from Kyoto, ~1,400 round-trip. Activities: Todaiji Temple, Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha. ... Activities: Okunoin Cemetery, temple lodging experience. ... Activities:...

    19 day itinerary check and best routes: Tokyo, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka

    Travel: ~1 hr from Kyoto, ~1,400 round-trip. Activities: Todaiji Temple, Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha. ... Activities: Okunoin Cemetery, temple lodging experience. ... Activities:...

    /r/JapanTravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit

Music for Your Journey

  • Music Icon

    Kyu Sakamoto - 上を向いて歩こう

    Kyu Sakamoto - 上を向いて歩こう

    A gentle, nostalgic classic that evokes reflective moments while traveling through historic sites and tranquil gardens.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Kyu Sakamoto - 上を向いて歩こう
  • Music Icon

    Fujii Kaze - Shinunoga E-Wa

    Fujii Kaze - Shinunoga E-Wa

    A modern, emotive track blending traditional Japanese sensibilities with contemporary R&B—good for evening walks through neon-lit city streets.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Fujii Kaze - Shinunoga E-Wa
  • Music Icon

    Masayoshi Yamazaki - One more time, One more chance

    Masayoshi Yamazaki - One more time, One more chance

    A tender ballad ideal for quiet train rides and watching landscapes pass by; emotional and heartfelt.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Masayoshi Yamazaki - One more time, One more chance
  • Music Icon

    Justin Timberlake - Summer Love

    Justin Timberlake - Summer Love

    An instrumental piano piece with a warm, uplifting melody—perfect for sunrise views, temple visits, and calm moments.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Justin Timberlake - Summer Love
  • Music Icon

    Andy McKee - Hana (Flower)

    Andy McKee - Hana (Flower)

    A poignant folk-pop song that complements visits to cultural sites and scenic towns with its gentle storytelling.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Andy McKee - Hana (Flower)
  • Music Icon

    Bibio - lovers’ carvings

    Bibio - lovers’ carvings

    A bright indie-pop tune with an upbeat tempo that matches lively city exploration and cheerful daytime wandering.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Bibio - lovers’ carvings
  • Music Icon

    Golden Bullet - いつかきっと

    Golden Bullet - いつかきっと

    An inspiring, hopeful pop-rock track suited for memorable vistas like Mount Fuji or coastal views from Miyajima.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Golden Bullet - いつかきっと
  • Music Icon

    Kenshi Yonezu - ピースサイン - Peace Sign

    Kenshi Yonezu - ピースサイン - Peace Sign

    An energetic J-rock anthem that fits vibrant urban moments, bustling crossings like Shibuya, and spirited nights out.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Kenshi Yonezu - ピースサイン - Peace Sign
  • Music Icon

    Up in the Clouds - The Path of the Wind (from "My Neighbor Totoro")

    Up in the Clouds - The Path of the Wind (from "My Neighbor Totoro")

    A whimsical, soothing orchestral piece ideal for nature walks, bamboo groves, and family-friendly sightseeing.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Up in the Clouds - The Path of the Wind (from "My Neighbor Totoro")
  • Music Icon

    Ikimonogakari - HANABI

    Ikimonogakari - HANABI

    A reflective ballad that pairs well with evening reflections on the trip’s highlights and the quiet beauty of temples illuminated at night.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Ikimonogakari - HANABI